Showing 282 items
matching development of falls creek
-
Falls Creek Historical Society
Lift and Ski School Lesson tickets 1984
... formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served... formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served ...SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.These tickets are significant because they represent a stage in the progression of chair lifts and management at Falls Creek Tourist Village.A collection of tickets issued for entry to Falls Creek, lift passes and lessons at Falls Creek Ski School for 1984. The tickets include a full set of adult passes and a set of children’s passes. Other ticket include those for Mountain Staff and Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee (F.C.T.A.M.C.) Volunteers.passes falls creek, chairlift falls creek, falls creek ski school -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Falls Creek Cross Country Season Pass Books 2010
... formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served... formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served ...SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.These tickets are significant because they represent an aspect of the management of activities at Falls Creek.Two books of Cross Country Season Pass Tickets for 2010. The blue tickets are Child's tickets and the red tickets for adults. Each book contains 20 tickets.Blue Tickets: FALLS CREEK CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PASS CHILD Red Tickets: FALLS CREEK CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PASS ADULTfalls creek cross country, falls creek ski tickets, season pass -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Schuss Vol. 21. No. 7 September - October 1955
... an extensive report on developments at Falls Creek, Victoria. FALLS... Club of Victoria Developments in Falls Creek The journal ...Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Page 234 - 235 featured an extensive report on developments at Falls Creek, Victoria. FALLS CREEK SKI CENTRE CONTINUES ITS STEADY ADVANCE Falls Creek skiing has continued to show markedly improved standards over this past season. Better facilities in and around the ski village itself have been accompanied by better skiing on the abundant snow covering all adjacent slopes. Just to mention a few of those facilities in the village: There have been extensions and big improvements at the Hymans Ski School, a number of excellent new club lodges have come into being, Nissen Lodge is in operation at the foot of the tow and adjacent slopes all setting new standards of ski-living that must make other resorts watch their step. While the advent of Cecil Dobson's General Store and Ski Centre, added to the service already available at the Nissen tow house, has removed all the old problems of food supply. Nissen ski-tow, the enticing face of the Frying Pan has given good service for a number of seasons now. To it has been added this year Bob Hyman's small portable tow which has worked for most of the season on the slope just in front of Skyline Lodge. The racing programme carried out at Falls Creek through this season has maintained the high standard shown in all other affairs. The main events started with the N.E.D.S.A. Championships early in August, then followed the Victorian and S.C.V. Nordic titles, and the Intermediate events.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, developments in falls creek -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs – Skippy St Elmo and other skiers – Set of 8 black and white photographs
... developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love... at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. They left ...Skippy and Toni St Elmo were responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. They left Melbourne in 1945 and settled at Falls Creek and moved into the first building constructed of corrugated iron and timber at Falls Creek in 1946. They were Falls Creek’s first workers with Toni employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data up to the construction of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow called Nissen on the same route as the Summit Quad. He also established the Nissen Ski School with ski instructor Milan Kovacic and was involved in the building of the resort’s first ski club Bogong in 1949. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand.Skippy and Toni St Elmo were pioneers of the Falls Creek area, promoting local ski sports and tourism. The played an important role in opening up the Falls Creek area and developing its sporting potential by establishing the first ski school, ski lifts and early lodge facilities. Skippy and Toni St Elmo were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek on November 17 2006, with the spreading of their ashes at the place which played such an important part in both their lives.Set of 8 black and white photographs of Skippy St Elmo and other skiers 1. Skippy and 3 others in New Zealand 1951 2. Skippy and 5 others Falls Creek 1955 3. Cake celebrating 20 years of sport at Nissen Lodge 4. Skippy and friend outside Nissen Lodge 5. Skippy on the ski slopes 6. Skippy on the ski slopes 7. Albury Ski Club team New Zwealand 1957 8. The Bogong Ski Club 1950 Written on back of photos 1. Bob Howe Albury, Skippy New Zealand 1951 – 942H 2. Falls Creek 1955. Skippy St Elmo: H Devonassore; Margaret ?; ?; Tony St Elmo; Olive? 3. Written on cake Nissen Alpine Club. 20 years of sport. FRED 4. Skippy St Elmo 5. Skippy 6. Skippy 7. Bob Howe (Albury) Skippy New Zealand 1957. Albury Ski Club Team raced in NZ 8. The Bogong Ski club, Coronet Park, 1950. M Denham (Capt); B Wiltshire; R Roberts; Skippy St Elmo; Gwen Morris; J Frazer; J Smith; L Piera; Manager & Coach Toni St Elmo. J D Knowles Photographer Box 188, Queenstown. 744B falls creek, skiing, bogong high plains -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - SEC hut - home to Skippy and Toni St. Elmo
... to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek... to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek ...Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Toni St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Toni entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team. Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club which became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in the Giant Slalom and Downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in September of the same year. In November 2006 they were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.A black and white photograph of Skippy and Toni St. Elmo standing in the doorway of their hut on the Bogong High Plains. A line of washing stretches behind the hut connected to the outside toilet.skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo, sec hut skippy and toni st. elmo -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Skippy St Elmo and the Ski Club of Victoria Junior Test
... to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek... to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek ...Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Tony St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team to compete in New Zealand Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club and that fact became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in giant slalom and downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in the September of the same year. In November 2006 the pair was honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.Photograph of Ms Skippy Elmo and man at Bogong High Plains on August 25 1945 as well as a framed receipt for the Ski Club of Victoria Junior Test for Ski Instructorsskippy st elmo, skyline lodge, bogong high plains, ski instructor test -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Junior Test Sheet, The Ski Club of Victoria Junior Test
... . They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls... to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek ...This is a framed receipt in the name of Skippy St. Elmo for completion of the Ski Club of Victoria Junior test for ski instructor. The test was completed on 25 August 1945 at the Scout Hall, Bogong High Plains. The receipt was found inside the cover of a typed manuscript. Mavis Grace Lindsay (Skippy) born in 1917 and married Tony St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team to compete in New Zealand Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club and that fact became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in giant slalom and downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in the September of the same year. In November 2006 the pair was honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.This certificate is an early document belonging to Skippy St Elmo, a pioneer of Falls Creek.Framed marking sheet for a Junior ski test for Ms Skippy Elmo at Bogong High Plains on August 25 1945. The test sheet is attached to a white backing paper which has 'My First achievement....skiing. Bogong High Plains' typed on it. The sheet has been framed for displau.skippy st elmo, ski instructor test, ski club of victoria, bogong high plains -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Stereoscopic Photograph, Unknown c1875
Depicted in the photograph is Newtown Bridge or the Newtown Falls Bridge, in Beechworth, Victoria. Noted for its location, detailed craftsmanship and stonemasonry by Scottish stonemasons the Newtown Bridge was built in the 19th century provincial town of Beechworth (completed in 1875). The bridge was built over Spring Creek, spanning 6.3 meters wide and 24.8 meters tall. Beechworth held a distinct role in the administrative and commercial management of Victoria's north-eastern goldfields, with many objects and structures still well preserved from the towns establishment. The bridge indicates the growth of the town, replacing a previous timber structure as well as its association to the mining activity in the area and the rapid increase in Australia's economy that led to investment and development of roads and railways. The local granite used in the construction of the single arch Newtown Bridge makes the bridge and other buildings made with the granite unique to the area, the honey-toned material distinct to Beechworth. This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the industrial development of Beechworth and the surrounding area, contributed to by the goldfields. The photograph further captures the representation of vernacular engineering traditions and Scottish stonemasonry.Two sepia-toned rectangular photographs featuring a bridge in the background printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Reverse: 97.2324/ Newtown Bridge/ Beechworthbridge, newtown beechworth, newtown bridge, newtown, beechworth, beechworth falls bridge, beechworth mining district, spring creek, -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Lantern Slide, c1900
This image shows the gorge adjacent to Beechworth in approximately 1900. Although the exact location of the photograph is yet to be determined, the present-day Beechworth Gorge Walk includes views of the Cascades at the point at which Spring Creek flows into the valley on the level below. Gold-sluicing techniques in use in the town during periods of active gold extraction may have altered the landscape since the photograph was taken, however. In the 1850s a mill was built at the top of the Spring Creek falls by Russian-born Louis Chevalier, brother of artist Nicholas Chevalier. The mill supplied the town with lumber that supported the town's initial construction boom. Lantern slides, sometimes called 'magic lantern' slides, are glass plates on which an image has been secured for the purpose of projection. Glass slides were etched or hand-painted for this purpose from the Eighteenth Century but the process became more popular and accessible to the public with the development of photographic-emulsion slides used with a 'Magic Lantern' device in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Photographic lantern slides comprise a double-negative emulsion layer (forming a positive image) between thin glass plates that are bound together. A number of processes existed to form and bind the emulsion layer to the base plate, including the albumen, wet plate collodion, gelatine dry plate and woodburytype techniques. Lantern slides and magic lantern technologies are seen as foundational precursors to the development of modern photography and film-making techniques.This glass slide is significant because it provides insight into Beechworth's built environment and natural landscape in the early Twentieth Century, around the time of Australia's Federation. It is also an example of an early photographic and film-making technology in use in regional Victoria in the time period.Thin translucent sheet of glass with a square image printed on the front and framed in a black backing. It is held together by metals strips to secure the edges of the slide.burke museum, beechworth, lantern slide, slide, glass slide, plate, burke museum collection, photograph, monochrome, indigo shire, north-east victoria, spring creek falls, beechworth gorge, louis chevalier, nicholas chevalier, lumber industry, timber industry, 1850s, construction, building, mill, mills, waterfall -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Lantern Slide, c1900
This image shows the gorge adjacent to Beechworth in approximately 1900. Although the exact location of the photograph is yet to be determined, the present-day Beechworth Gorge Walk includes views of the Cascades at the point at which Spring Creek flows into the valley on the level below. Gold-sluicing techniques in use in the town during periods of active gold extraction may have altered the landscape since the photograph was taken, however. In the 1850s a mill was built at the top of the Spring Creek falls by Russian-born Louis Chevalier, brother of artist Nicholas Chevalier. The mill supplied the town with lumber that supported the town's initial construction boom. Lantern slides, sometimes called 'magic lantern' slides, are glass plates on which an image has been secured for the purpose of projection. Glass slides were etched or hand-painted for this purpose from the Eighteenth Century but the process became more popular and accessible to the public with the development of photographic-emulsion slides used with a 'Magic Lantern' device in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Photographic lantern slides comprise a double-negative emulsion layer (forming a positive image) between thin glass plates that are bound together. A number of processes existed to form and bind the emulsion layer to the base plate, including the albumen, wet plate collodion, gelatine dry plate and woodburytype techniques. Lantern slides and magic lantern technologies are seen as foundational precursors to the development of modern photography and film-making techniques.This glass slide is significant because it provides insight into Beechworth's built environment and natural landscape in the early Twentieth Century, around the time of Australia's Federation. It is also an example of an early photographic and film-making technology in use in regional Victoria in the time period.Thin translucent sheet of glass with a square image printed on the front and framed in a black backing. It is held together by metals strips to secure the edges of the slide.burke museum, beechworth, lantern slide, slide, glass slide, plate, burke museum collection, photograph, monochrome, beechworth gorge, indigo shire, landscapes, mill, sluicing, gold mining, north-east victoria, spring creek, louis chevalier, cascades -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Ski Skins - Pair
... the development of Falls Creek. Ski skins; Bogong High Plains; Falls Creek ...Ski skins and webbing were introduced into the Victorian Alps by European skiers. Enthusiasts travelled to enjoy the snow and to explore the Victorian Alps including the Bogong High Plains. This equipment enabled them to travel over snow without slipping when going up hills. They took the skins off when they wanted to slide down hills. In later years waxes were used for cross country skiing and then 'fish tail' markings on the back of skis to enable skiers to travel distances up and down mountains. Later developments also included motor transport (replacing horses to get to the snow line) and roads to take skiers to the ski fields and mechanised tows to take skiers up mountains so they could ski down (downhill skiing).Skiers visited the Bogong High Plains especially during the years of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the 1930's onwards. Tourists to the area increased during this time and influenced the development of Falls Creek.Long cream strips with soft short 'fur' on one side and a type of strong hessian on the back with the length of the middle and sides stitched. At one end an adjustable strap is attached to a steel, hinged clasp and at the other end is a loop that fits over the ski. A quarter of the way from each end is a steel attachment for fastening over the ski - the 'toe' end with a rubber embossed flap and the other with a short and long strap each with a steel ring at the end.On the rubber attachment: 'vinersa/pat uno'ski skins; bogong high plains; falls creek -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Printed material from the internet, with colour illustrations – History of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Inc, 14/01/2016
The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club was formed in September 1977 when a group of enthusiasts met to discuss the idea. The club, located in Mount Beauty has conducted many activities and programs for its members and other cross country skiers at the Falls Creek Ski Resort, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains. Club objectives are to promote the development of cross country racing, ski touring and associated activities. To assist in searches for persons lost in bushland areas and to maintain a Search and Rescue group. It also provides its members with opportunities for skiing and social activities. The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club constructed a clubhouse at Falls Creek for the use of members in 1996. The club has conducted the annual Kangaroo Hoppet since 1991. Since its inception, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club has been active in promoting cross country skiing including racing and touring in the Falls Creek, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains areas and have actively participated in search and rescue in the alpine region. Birkebeiner members have represented Australia at five Olympic Games. A number of Kiewa Valley residents are active members or have been past members of the club over the years.Printed material from the internet with colour illustrations – History of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Inc. Sourced from http://birkebeiner.org.au/about/history/, 14/01/2016 7.45pmbirkebeiner ski club; nordic skiing; cross country skiing; falls creek; bogong high plains -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs – Skiers at Falls Creek – Set of 10 black and white photographs
After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges.Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Set of 10 black and white photographs of various skiers at Falls Creek Victoria1. From Left-John Robertson Myrtleford; Bill Bridgford, St Trinians; Girl not known; Roy Wolpole, Myrtleford; Fin McAuliffe, Myrtleford; Looking on foreground, Toni St Elmo 2. Falls Creek. Property of State Electricity Commission of Victoria Publicity Photo Negative No PB4046. Publicity Branch, 15 William St Melbourne. 3. Avic Lajons 4. No markings 5. Bill Bridgeford (lower person on slope) 6. Max Lawrence? Facing skiers 7. 6575. Indistinguishable red stamp on back 8. 6875. Ces Dobson on tractor 9. From left on tow. John Robertson (Myrtleford); Bill Bridgeford (St Trinians); Girl unknown; Roy Walpole (Myrtleford); Vin McAuliffe (Myrtleford); Looking on foreground Toni Beveridge. 10. From Left 1; 2; 3. Bill Bridgeford; 4. George McPherson ? (Myrtleford); 5. John Robertson (Myrtleford); 6. Elsbeth Rollenson? (Myrtleford); 7; 8; 9. 11. Bogong. Looking N.E from Big River fire track. Skiers on way to Falls Creek. Spion Kop on left. Going around Ropers Cerner near the 18 mile post falls creek, skiing, bogong high plains -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs –Collection of 10 copies and original black and white photographs and printed articles relating to skiing on the Bogong High Plains
After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River Valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 at Falls Creek and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges. The area became a popular tourist destination for both winter and summer sports.: Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Collection of 10 copies and original black and white photographs and printed articles relating to skiing on the Bogong High Plains. Some pieces have been enlarged to A3 poster size copies for display purposes 1. Copy of black and white photograph of group of skiers at Falls Creek 2. Copy of photograph of early skier on Bogong High Plains with temporary buildings and tents in the background 3. Copy of photograph of 3 skiers on Mt McKay 4. Copy of SECV photograph of Rocky Valley Camp under snow 5. Early sepia photograph of Falls Creek village with skiers in the foreground 6. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of owning a holiday home in the Bogong Village area 7. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of holidaying in and around Falls Creek/Mt Beauty 8. Panoramic view of ski fields with skis in the foreground 9. Photograph of young skier (identity unknown) 10. Photograph of 2 male skiers (identity unknown) performing a small jump 1. Bogong Ski Club Members & Friends 1944 2. Jack Neve – electrician. Rocky Valley 3. 17.5.55 Skiers ascending Mt McKay 4. State Electricity Commission of Victoria. Date:17.8.55 No:K8132 Kiewa Hydro Electric Works. Rocky Valley Camp – From Engineering Office 5 & 9 No markings 6 & 7 Short article relating to photos on each page 8. Handwritten signature on rear of photo (Sandra Conea) 10 Faded unreadable photographers stamp and handwritten numbers 6875 on rear secv; bogong high plains; skiers; falls creek; tourism -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs – Bogong High Plains - Set of 16 black and white photographs mounted back and front on 3 pieces of heavy black card likely removed from a photograph album
After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River Valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built at Falls Creek in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges. The area became a popular tourist destination for both winter and summer sports.Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Black and white photographs of varying sizes mounted decoratively on heavy black Card. Some pages display a brief description printed in white ink 1. 4 photographs- displayed diagonally across page. 2 pictures of a group of men standing in the snow in front of a car with a loaded trailer behind. 1 photo of skiers. 1 photo of show hanging in tree branches. 2. 2 photographs- showing Upper Kiewa Road with snow in the background 3. 3 photographs- of skiers and 1 photo of 2 of men posing in the snow & 1 photo of 2 men posing shirtless in warmer weather. 4. 2 photographs- arranged diagonally on page showing early buildings and construction at Bogong Village 5. 2 photographs- 1 showing view of Bogong Village from higher up the mountain. 1 showing early Bogong High Plains road 6. 1 photograph- showing view down along Kiewa Valley from higher up in the mountains 1. Handwritten in white ink – A TRIP TO THE PLAINS 2. Handwritten in white ink – UPPER KIEWA ROAD MT FAINTER IN BACKGROUND 3 – 6. No markings bogong village; upper kiewa road; bogong high plains; falls creek; skiers -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Postcards - Falls Creek - Set of 4
... Electric Scheme hastened the development of Falls Creek ...Postcards were available at tourist destinations to promote the resort by enabling visitors to write to friends and family.The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme hastened the development of Falls Creek as a popular destination for skiers. Roads, buildings including accommodation & chalets, ski clubs, snow vehicles, ski tows etc enabled visitors to live and ski in the snow. When construction of the KHES was completed Falls Creek continued to develop both as a winter and summer resort. Serrated edge colored postcards. 1. "On Langlauf Skis in the Australian Snowfields' - Photograph by Uwe Steinward 2. 'Ski-school and instructors at Falls Creek, Victoria' Photograph by Uwe Steinward x2 3. Overlooking the Victorian snowfields, Falls Creek, Victoria' Photograph by Uwe Steinward 4. 'Skiing down the slopes at Falls Creek, Victoria.' photograph by Uwe Steinward x3falls creek, snow, skiing, alpine sport, langlauf skmiing, uwe steinward -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Papers - Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee, August 1984
Falls Creek is a ski resort in the north east of Victoria on the Bogong High Plains. Members of business's (accommodation & restaurants) formed the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism 'under' the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee. The Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee under the direction of the State Electric Commission of Victoria came into effect in 1959 and from then on building sites were leased and building and sewerage controls were applied. In 1979 the Victorian State Government had established the Ski Industry of Victoria working party with a brief report on its operation. These papers give an insight into the business of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce in 1984 eg. car parking, noise, closure of the resort due to heavy snow falls, the media and general development of the resort. Local business people are named as attending the meeting indicating many non English surnames. 4 yellowed papers typed on both sides of the first 3 pages. irst paper has 6 items listed re Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce / Sub Committee on General Booking Conditions.Dated 15th August 1984 Next 3 papers dated 13th August 1984 Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce / Minutes of General Meetingfalls creek, ski resort, bogong high plains, falls creek chamber of commerce, snow, ski lodges, -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Papers - Skiing at Falls Creek
Skiing at Falls Creek from the 1940s has changed re - equipment, including eg. types of tows, gear and clothes. These pages give an insight into the 1960 and 1961 developments re accommodation, social scene, ads re equipment etc. and articles eg.on Tow-bar lifts, people, workers and tourists.Falls Creek, one of Victoria's most popular ski resorts, was developing quickly in the early 1960s. Photocopies of pages from 'Schuss' ski magazine 1960 and 1961 selected for the references to Falls Creek.falls creek, skiing, tourism -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - Lions Club, Lions Club of Upper Kiewa Valley Celebrating Fifty Years of Service to the Community, 2014
The Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club has served the Kiewa Valley for 50 years - raising money for the community. Its biggest success was the 'Snack Bar', a food outlet at Falls Creek, selling hot pies and coffee. From 1964 in a caravan, to 1965 - 1971 in a bus the snack bar operated, until it was sold in 1989. The book also outlines their other projects and office bearers.The Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club involved local people and local events giving an insight into the development of the area over the last 50 years. Yellow soft covered book fastened by 2 staples. Deep yellow line outlines the cover with black print of title and date. Thick black "50" with Lions logo in green is enclosed by the 0 (in the 50). Back cover - also outlined with a deep yellow line. On the top middle is "50" including the logo surrounded by the "0" and underneath the words "We Serve".On page 9 "Ian Howley 2010/11"lions club, upper kiewa valley, 50 years, service club, community, snack bar at falls creek, conquestathon -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Seal Skins Ski Straps / Soles
Seal skin straps and webbing were introduced into the Victorian Alps by European skiers. Enthusiasts travelled to enjoy the snow and to explore the Victorian Alps including the Bogong High Plains. This equipment enabled them to travel over snow without slipping when going up hills. They took the skins off when they wanted to slide down hills. In later years, waxes were used for cross country skiing and then 'fish tail' markings on the back of skis to enable skiers to travel distances up and down mountains. Later developments also included motor transport (replacing horses to get to the snow line) and roads to take skiers to the ski fields and mechanised tows to take skiers up mountains so they could ski down (downhill skiing). Skate skiing has also developed as another form of skiing.Skiers visited the Bogong High Plains during summer and winter to explore and enjoy the High Plains. The equipment used was a forerunner to the variety used today and the different types of skiing done today. Falls Creek was developed during the construction of the Kiewa Electric Hydro Scheme and was influenced by the number of Europeans working on the scheme and their desire to make use of the snow during winter.Each Seal skin has: Seal skin sewn onto one side of a strap of webbing. There is a webbing loop on the front that slips over a small point at the front of the ski. There is a webbing strap attached to the back of the seal skin sole coming over the back of the ski that clips metal fasteners onto a loop of webbing behind the boot.skiing. snow. high plains. seal skins. cross country skiing. alpine sports. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Folder - Early Photos of Mt Beauty
Mt Beauty township was built during the 1950's to house the employees of the State Electricity Commission working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. After the completion of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme many houses were sold and the public buildings handed over to the Alpine Shire. Mt Beauty has always been a tourist destination especially with its proximity to the ski fields at Falls Creek.This folder contains many early photos of Mt Beauty showing the construction town during its development during the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme and its early days of tourism. A3 size black plastic folder with clear plastic sleeves holding early black & white photos of Mt Beauty township. Also included are: 1. 3 foolscap pages -Nov., 1953 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme Progress. 2. SECV Drawing Plan (No. K6242) of Mt Beauty House - 3 angles and floor plan, English Pre-cut Type 3B.ILA with note that all houses with prefix 3B are similar. 3. Orange, black and white pamphlet "Welcome to Kiewa" 4. Tourist postcard 'fold-up' of 11 postcards "Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Scheme, Victoria 5. Drawing Plan of 'Mt Beauty Housing. Use of Prefabricated Cubicles for Houses. Type C.1 6. Drawing Plan of 'Kiewa Scheme Mt Beauty Housing Type "G". 7. 5 pages on "Twelve Tips on Caring for Old Buildings 8. Booklet advertising Mt Beauty housing for sale including activities available in the area. (1960's) 9. List of Photos from SECV held by KVHS Some photos have handwritten labels mt beauty. secv. kiewa hydro electric scheme.tourism. housing. construction town. falls creek. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Folder - Retail Development of Mt Beauty
The papers have been collected in correspondence since 1947 and cover many of the retail shops in Mt Beauty. The sale of the shops by the State Electricity Commission during the 1960's when the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme was completed. Owners of the Mt Beauty Supermart and Newsagency and Falls Creek Mini-Mart, Samuel Keith Pearce and Gordon Cathew Pearce's documents are included. The papers record a period when the SECV sold the retail shops in Mt Beauty after the completion of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This enables researchers to gauge the value of the properties at the time and the changes in retail shops from that time.A black plastic folder containing a collection of correspondence pertaining to the retail development of Mt Beauty from the 1940's through to the 1960's and 1970's. pearce bros. mt beauty. falls creek. mt beauty retail. state electricity commission of victoria. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Video - Fainter Falls, Fainter Falls, 2003 - 2008
Visual workings and development of the Fainter Falls Trail completed in 2008. The trail was originally accessible via a fire fighting access trail. The fire in the summer of 2003 highlighted the beauty of the area and provided the residents of the Kiewa Valley with the opportunity to consider the redevelopment of the trail. Work to establish a 700 metre grade 2 walking trail with a 50 metre grade 3 extension trail to the Falls began in 2005. It also includes 3 observation decks, a bridge over a creek crossing, car parking and interpretive signage.This video recording is a visual recording of the process of the establishment of the Fainter Falls Walking Trail giving an insight into the process, the work, tools and materials used for such work from 2003 to 2008. It also shows the vegetation in the area and the amount of water flowing at the time.White cardboard cover with black plastic video labelled "Fainter Falls" on outer edge."Fainter Falls"fainter falls. bogong. walking trail. fire track. national parks of victoria -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - Ski Resort Planning and Development, Ski Resort Planning and Development by Research Fellow Ron G. Sibley Shire Engineer, Shire of Bright
... resort planning ski resort development falls creek's future shire ...This book was published in 1981 when the Ski Industry and the Shire of Bright were proposing to expand the tourism industry.Of interest to Local Government and to those involved in the development of and activities carried out in Alpine country and ski resort areas. This research identifies the advantages and possibilities for the future.Hard light blue plain cover book with paper cover and bound spine. The paper cover has a snow photo (bluish) above and below the title. 113 pages with black and white photos and diagrams.Front page has "B.H.Goss / 37 Roper St., / Mt. Beauty 3699" stamped in top right corner.ski resort planning, ski resort development, falls creek's future, shire of bright -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - large - Group of 6 skiers
... skiing during the 1940s prior to the development of Falls Creek ...Skiing became a popular sport during the 1940s as access improved to the Bogong High Plains The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme was constructed on the Bogong High Plains during the 1940s and 1950s. This group of men (possibly workers on the Scheme) are back country skiing during the 1940s prior to the development of Falls Creek and downhill skiing.Large photo of a group of six male skiers with snow gums and faded mountains in the background.skiers on the bogong high plains -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - The Autobiography of Ernest Forras, Earnest Escapades Seriously for fun only The autobiography of Ernest Forras with Jan Henderson
Ernest migrated from Hungary in January 1951 and helped bring commercial development to Australia's fledgling snowfields. He was keen to find Alpine employment, eventually importing ski and sports gear. This book covers his time in Hungary and his visits to the Alpine Ski Resorts - an insight into the early years of skiing in Australia.Ernest visited Falls Creek on the Bogong High Plains in 1951 and describes the area on pages 66 to76 from the point of view of an Hungarian migrant. He visited Falls Creek because his brother had got work on Kiewa Hydro Electric Ssheme.Hard dark brown cover book with dust cover coloured in red, white and green with title in black and a photo of Ernest Forras below. It consists of 190 pages. After page 54 and between Part one and Two, there are 18 pages of photos on photographic paper.Written in shaky writing on inside first page "To Debbie / From Hungary With Love / Ernest Forras 2002 / Mt Beautyernest forras, australian ski resorts from 1951, hungary pre 1951 -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Visitors Book - Nissen Paradise, Welcome to our Nissen Paradise - Ski Nissen School - 1953 to 1960
... in the early development of skiing at Falls Creek including assisting ...Nissen Lodge was built by 1953 at Falls Creek. The first lodge at Falls Creek was built in 1947 by SECV staff members. By the 1954 Ski Season, Falls Creek Alpine Village had 10 club lodges, plus a ski tow house and a commercial lodge that both provided skier accommodation. Several other club lodges were under construction. The Nissen Alpine Club operated a rope tow with a 240m rise in altitude..Ski lessons were also available. Re: Tony and Skippy St Elmo Beveridge See KVHS 1113 By 1953, the SECV was issuing entry permits for private cars used by skiers with bookings in a Falls Creek lodge.The Nissen Ski Lodge was one of the early ski lodges at Falls Creek. Toni St Elmo Beveridge was involved in the early development of skiing at Falls Creek including assisting with the building of the early lodges, and establishing the Nissen Ski School. See KVHS 1113. The book was later used for visiors to the KVHS museum located in the old Tawonga South School.Deep red, bound, thick cardboard book with gold outline of Australia and 'Visitors" on the centre front. Many pages each with a column for Date, Name in Full and Address in Full. Written in ink and pencil both sides of each page with the first date being 14 - 6 - 1953 to 17th September 1960. Entries follow from 1985 to 1994 when the closure of the display at the old South Tawonga Primary School is noted by the KVHS Secretary. The book also has 'Tony & Skippy St Elmo Beveridge' on its cover page. nissen ski lodge, visitors book falls creek, nissen school -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photos - Falls Creek - C. Stals Collection
... of Falls Creek and social changes re status of women in business ...See letters enclosed with photos from c1960sHistorical development of Falls Creek and social changes re status of women in business.3 groups of photos each with letter of explanationfalls creek, carol stals -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Magazine - Ski Victoria 1980
The introduction: "Skiing has been a sport in Victoria since the turn of the century. It has only been popular since the 1950s however, when the Alpine areas were opened up to commercial development."Employees of the SECV skied on the High Plains during the construction of the KHES. In 1946 the first lodge was approved by the SEC at Falls Creek. See Falls Creek pages 6-11 for details of amenities in 198048 pages held by 2 staples. 1980 Issue. Front Cover "Victoria has mountains of snow". In color - skier in front of trees laden with snow.Front cover in pen and underlined "J. Watson"falls creek ski resort, snow sport -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Postcard - The Sun Valley Lower Station
These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A high definition photo of the skiers at the Sun Valley tow. This Tow operated from 1967 until 1989.falls creek resort, tows and lifts at falls creek, sun valley tow